3.1 Formula Mass and the Mole Concept

3 min readjune 24, 2024

and the concept are key to understanding chemical calculations. They help us quantify substances and their interactions at the atomic level, bridging the gap between the microscopic world of atoms and the macroscopic world we can measure.

These concepts are essential for , which allows us to predict quantities in chemical reactions. By mastering and moles, you'll be able to solve complex chemistry problems and understand how substances interact in precise ratios.

Formula Mass and Mole Concept

Formula masses of chemical compounds

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  • Formula mass represents sum of atomic masses for all atoms in a chemical formula expressed in () or ()
  • Calculate formula mass by identifying elements and subscripts in the compound
    • Locate atomic mass of each element using periodic table
    • Multiply atomic mass by subscript for each element
    • Sum products to determine overall formula mass
  • Example: Calculating formula mass of (C6H12O6C_6H_{12}O_6)
    • (): 6 × 12.01 amu = 72.06 amu
    • (): 12 × 1.01 amu = 12.12 amu
    • (): 6 × 16.00 amu = 96.00 amu
    • Formula mass of glucose = 72.06 amu + 12.12 amu + 96.00 amu = 180.18 amu or g/mol
  • Example: Determining formula mass of ()
    • (): 1 × 22.99 amu = 22.99 amu
    • (): 1 × 35.45 amu = 35.45 amu
    • Formula mass of NaCl = 22.99 amu + 35.45 amu = 58.44 amu or g/mol
  • Formula mass is used to calculate of compounds

Mole concept and Avogadro's number

  • represents amount of substance containing same number of particles as atoms in 12 grams of
    • (6.022×10236.022 \times 10^{23}) quantifies particles in one mole
  • One mole of any substance comprises Avogadro's number of particles (atoms, molecules, ions, or formula units)
  • signifies mass of one mole of a substance numerically equal to formula mass with units of grams per mole (g/mol)
  • Relationship between moles and Avogadro's number: 1 mole = 6.022×10236.022 \times 10^{23} particles and 1 mole of a substance = in grams
  • Example: One mole of (H2OH_2O) contains 6.022×10236.022 \times 10^{23} water molecules and has a molar mass of 18.02 g/mol
  • Example: One mole of sodium (Na) consists of 6.022×10236.022 \times 10^{23} sodium atoms and has a molar mass of 22.99 g/mol

Conversions in chemical substances

  • Conversion factors based on mole concept: 1 mole = molar mass in grams and 1 mole = 6.022×10236.022 \times 10^{23} particles
  • Convert between mass and moles:
    1. Mass to moles: divide mass by molar mass
    2. Moles to mass: multiply number of moles by molar mass
  • Convert between moles and number of particles:
    1. Moles to particles: multiply number of moles by Avogadro's number
    2. Particles to moles: divide number of particles by Avogadro's number
  • Convert between mass and number of particles:
    1. Mass to particles: convert mass to moles, then moles to particles
    2. Particles to mass: convert particles to moles, then moles to mass
  • sets up conversion problems ensuring correct units in final answer
  • Example: Converting 25.0 grams of water (H2OH_2O) to moles
    • Molar mass of H2OH_2O = 18.02 g/mol
    • 25.0gH2O×1molH2O18.02gH2O=1.39molH2O25.0\,g\,H_2O \times \frac{1\,mol\,H_2O}{18.02\,g\,H_2O} = 1.39\,mol\,H_2O
  • Example: Determining number of oxygen atoms in 0.500 moles of O2O_2
    • 0.500molO2×6.022×1023atomsO21molO2×2atomsO1moleculeO2=6.02×1023atomsO0.500\,mol\,O_2 \times \frac{6.022 \times 10^{23}\,atoms\,O_2}{1\,mol\,O_2} \times \frac{2\,atoms\,O}{1\,molecule\,O_2} = 6.02 \times 10^{23}\,atoms\,O

Chemical formulas and stoichiometry

  • represents simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in a compound
  • shows the actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule
  • Stoichiometry uses mole ratios from balanced chemical equations to calculate quantities of reactants and products
  • determines the maximum amount of product that can be formed in a chemical reaction

Key Terms to Review (43)

Amu: Atomic mass unit (amu) is a unit of mass used to express the masses of atoms and molecules. It is a fundamental unit in the study of atomic structure and the mole concept in chemistry.
Atomic Mass Units: Atomic mass units (u or amu) are a unit of measurement used to express the mass of atoms and molecules. This unit is based on the mass of a carbon-12 atom, which is defined as exactly 12 u. Atomic mass units are commonly used in the context of formula mass and the mole concept to quantify the relative masses of chemical species.
Atwater system: The Atwater system is a method used to estimate the metabolizable energy content of foods by assigning specific caloric values to macronutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is widely used in nutrition science to determine the energy available from food consumption.
Avogadro's Number: Avogadro's number is a fundamental constant in chemistry that represents the number of particles (atoms, molecules, or ions) in one mole of a substance. It is a crucial concept in understanding the relationship between the mass of a substance and the number of particles it contains.
Avogadro’s number (NA): Avogadro's number (NA) is the number of constituent particles, usually atoms or molecules, that are contained in one mole of a substance. It is numerically defined as $6.022 \times 10^{23}$ mol$^{-1}$.
C: C, the third letter of the alphabet, is a versatile element that plays a crucial role in various chemical contexts, including formula mass calculations, empirical and molecular formula determinations, and the properties of phosphorus. As a fundamental building block of organic compounds, C is essential for understanding the fundamental principles of chemistry.
C6H12O6: C6H12O6 is the chemical formula for glucose, a simple sugar that is the primary source of energy for many organisms. It is a key compound in the context of both the phases and classification of matter, as well as the formula mass and mole concept in chemistry.
Carbon: Carbon is a fundamental element that is essential for the formation of organic compounds and the sustenance of life. It is a versatile element that can form a wide range of structures and participate in numerous chemical reactions, making it a crucial component in various fields, including chemistry, biology, and materials science.
Carbon-12: Carbon-12 is the most abundant isotope of the element carbon, with a nucleus containing 6 protons and 6 neutrons. It is the primary standard used to define the atomic mass scale and is a crucial component in understanding atomic structure and the mole concept in chemistry.
Chlorine: Chlorine is a highly reactive, greenish-yellow gas that is one of the five halogens in the periodic table. It is an essential element in many chemical processes and compounds, with wide-ranging applications in various industries and everyday life.
Cl: Cl is the chemical symbol for the element chlorine, which is a highly reactive halogen gas that is essential for many chemical processes and biological functions in living organisms.
Dimensional analysis: Dimensional analysis is a mathematical technique used to convert one set of units to another. It involves multiplying by conversion factors that express the same quantity in different units.
Dimensional Analysis: Dimensional analysis is the process of analyzing and manipulating the dimensions of physical quantities to verify the dimensional consistency of equations, convert between different units, and solve problems involving multiple measurements. It is a powerful tool used in various scientific and engineering fields to ensure the validity and accuracy of calculations and relationships between physical quantities.
Empirical formula: An empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of elements in a compound. It does not show the actual number of atoms, but rather the relative proportions.
Empirical Formula: The empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms of each element present in a compound. It provides the most basic representation of the composition of a compound without specifying the actual number of atoms present.
Formula mass: Formula mass is the sum of the average atomic masses of all atoms represented in the chemical formula of a substance. It is typically expressed in atomic mass units (amu).
Formula Mass: Formula mass, also known as molar mass, is the mass of one mole of a substance. It represents the total mass of all the atoms or molecules that make up a chemical compound, and is an essential concept in the mole concept and stoichiometric calculations.
G/mol: g/mol, or grams per mole, is a unit that expresses the molar mass or formula mass of a substance. It represents the mass of one mole of a particular substance, providing a way to quantify the amount of a chemical compound based on its molecular or atomic composition.
Glucose: Glucose is a simple sugar that serves as the primary source of energy for the body's cells. It is a monosaccharide, the most basic unit of carbohydrates, and plays a crucial role in the topics of formula mass, the mole concept, and determining empirical and molecular formulas.
Grams per Mole: Grams per mole (g/mol) is a unit that expresses the mass of a substance in grams relative to its molar mass, which is the mass of one mole of that substance. It is a fundamental concept in chemistry that connects the macroscopic and microscopic worlds, allowing us to quantify and understand the relationships between the mass, amount, and composition of chemical substances.
H: H is the chemical symbol for hydrogen, the lightest and most abundant element in the universe. It is a key component in many chemical processes and plays a crucial role in various topics in chemistry, including atomic structure, formula mass, and determining empirical and molecular formulas.
H2O: H2O, or water, is a chemical compound consisting of two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to a single oxygen atom. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquid that is essential for life on Earth, playing crucial roles in various chemical and physical processes across multiple topics in chemistry.
Hydrogen: Hydrogen is the simplest and lightest element in the periodic table, with a single proton and electron in its neutral state. It is a highly reactive nonmetal that plays a crucial role in various chemical processes and is a fundamental component of many compounds, making it a key topic across several areas of chemistry.
Hydrogen bonding: Hydrogen bonding is a strong type of dipole-dipole interaction that occurs between molecules when hydrogen is covalently bonded to electronegative atoms like oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine. This bond results in higher boiling and melting points for substances.
Limiting Reagent: The limiting reagent is the reactant in a chemical reaction that is completely consumed, determining the maximum amount of product that can be formed. It is the reactant present in the smallest quantity relative to the other reactants.
Molar mass: Molar mass is the mass of one mole of a substance, expressed in grams per mole (g/mol). It is calculated by summing the atomic masses of all atoms in the molecular formula.
Molar Mass: Molar mass is the mass of one mole of a substance, expressed in grams per mole (g/mol). It is a fundamental concept in chemistry that relates the mass of a substance to the number of particles (atoms, molecules, or ions) it contains, and is essential for understanding chemical formulas, stoichiometry, and the behavior of gases.
Mole: A mole is a unit that measures the amount of substance, defined as containing exactly 6.02214076 x 10^{23} particles (atoms, molecules, ions, or electrons). It provides a bridge between the atomic world and the macroscopic world.
Mole: The mole is a unit of measurement in chemistry that represents the amount of a substance. It is used to quantify the number of particles, such as atoms, molecules, or ions, in a given sample. The mole provides a way to bridge the gap between the microscopic world of atoms and molecules and the macroscopic world of everyday measurements.
Molecular formula: A molecular formula indicates the types and numbers of atoms in a molecule of a substance. It shows the actual number of each type of atom present in a single molecule.
Molecular Formula: The molecular formula is a concise representation of the elemental composition and relative abundance of atoms within a chemical compound. It provides the specific number and type of atoms that make up a molecule, conveying the true chemical identity of the substance.
Na: Na is the chemical symbol for the element sodium, which is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal that is highly reactive and essential for various physiological processes in the human body.
NaCl: NaCl, commonly known as sodium chloride, is a chemical compound that consists of one sodium atom (Na) and one chlorine atom (Cl) bonded together. It is an ionic compound that is essential for various biological and industrial processes, and it is the primary component of table salt.
O: O, or oxygen, is a chemical element that is essential for life and plays a crucial role in various chemical processes, including the formula mass and mole concept, the determination of empirical and molecular formulas, and ionic bonding. As one of the most abundant elements on Earth, O is a highly reactive nonmetal that forms compounds with most other elements.
O2: Oxygen, or O2, is a colorless, odorless, and highly reactive gas that is essential for the survival of most living organisms on Earth. It is the second most abundant element in the Earth's atmosphere and plays a crucial role in various chemical and biological processes.
Oxygen: Oxygen is a highly reactive nonmetallic element that is essential for most forms of life. It is the third most abundant element in the universe and the most abundant element on Earth's crust. Oxygen plays a crucial role in various chemical and biological processes, including respiration, combustion, and oxidation-reduction reactions.
Percent composition: Percent composition is the percentage by mass of each element in a compound. It is used to determine the relative amounts of elements in a chemical formula.
Percent Composition: Percent composition refers to the relative amount of each element present in a chemical compound, expressed as a percentage of the total mass or mole fraction of the compound. It is a fundamental concept in chemistry that helps understand the makeup and properties of substances.
Sodium: Sodium is a soft, silvery-white, highly reactive alkali metal that is essential for various physiological processes in the human body. It is a key element in the context of atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical nomenclature, formula mass, periodic variations in element properties, and periodicity.
Sodium Chloride: Sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt, is a chemical compound composed of one sodium (Na) atom and one chlorine (Cl) atom. It is an ionic compound that is essential for various physiological processes in living organisms and has numerous industrial and household applications.
Stoichiometry: Stoichiometry is the calculation of reactants and products in chemical reactions using balanced chemical equations. It involves the use of molar ratios derived from these equations to predict quantities of substances consumed and produced.
Water: Water is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquid that is essential for life on Earth. It is the most abundant compound on the planet and plays a vital role in various chemical and biological processes, including the topics of Early Ideas in Atomic Theory, Formula Mass and the Mole Concept, Structure and General Properties of the Nonmetals, and Occurrence, Preparation, and Compounds of Hydrogen.
Δoct: Δoct, also known as crystal field splitting energy, represents the energy difference between the higher-energy and lower-energy sets of d-orbitals in an octahedral coordination complex. It plays a crucial role in determining the electronic structure and properties of transition metal complexes.
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